The Konica Queensland Fire will have to subdue the exceptional batting talents of Karen Rolton if they are to resume their Women's National Cricket League campaign in winning style this weekend.

Queensland are in third spot on the WNCL ladder, equal with Victoria and Western Australia on 12 points, with NSW the runaway leaders on 30 points.

South Australia, which boast Rolton in their ranks, are in fifth spot on six points and desperately need to string together a series of wins to challenge for a finals berth.

The Fire, which beat NSW and Victoria earlier in the season before the competition was suspended for the Women's World Cup in New Zealand, can mount a strong case for a finals spot if they can win both of their matches against South Australia at Allan Border Field this weekend.

Rolton was the leading runs-scorer for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in the World Cup, finishing with 393 runs at an average of 131.00. Australia finished runners-up to New Zealand at the World Cup.

Queensland will be captained by wicket-keeper Julia Price, Rolton's teammate in the Australian team at the World Cup.

The selectors have returned opening bat Maryanne Brandon to the Fire team with allrounder Robyn Cooper overlooked.

KONICA QUEENSLAND FIRE v Southern Scorpions, Saturday and Sunday, Allan Border Field, Albion

QUEENSLAND Julia Price (c), Maryanne Brandon, Tricia Brown, Bronwyn Buckley, Melissa Bulow (v-c), Sally Cooper, Angela Farrell, Kelly Klibbe, Cindy Kross, Vanessa Pickering, Julia Price (c), Leonie Shields, Heidi Thomson. Coach: Peter Drinnen.

© 2001 Queensland Cricket